Parsha Talk Bereishit 5787 2026

Parashat B’ereshit [Genesis 1:1-6:8], the first parashah in the Book of Genesis, begins our annual journey through the Torah. Those of you who have been with us from the beginning know that this is our 7th journey of meeting nearly weekly to discuss the Torah and what it might mean to us, and to you. That hour or so of meeting [we discuss amongst ourselves before we record] has long been one of the highlights of my week
On the face of it, the parashah is disturbing. It is not unreasonable to think that the peak of the parashah is the 3 verses beginning in chapter 2 which describe the 1st Sabbath in verbs, suggesting that there is an active component to rest, at least from God’s point of view. But then things deteriorate so quickly that God wants a do-over by the end of the parashah. What began with such promise is now a source of regret, from no less than God.
We recorded on the third anniversary of 10/07, and that informed our discussion. In terms of the parashah we discussed creation, the very beginning, and the comfort the birth of Noah heralded at the end. We discussed the different images of God and Adam in chapter 1 and chapter 2. We asked what kind of comfort we can provide today, and to whom. As always, we welcome your responses. Shabbat Shalom!